For her role in leading the Philippine Women’s National Team to a spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018, coach Letecia “Buda” Bautista was shortlisted for the AFC Women’s Coach of the Year Award during the AFC Annual Awards held last Wednesday 29 November 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Though she did not win the award, which went to Japan Women’s National Team head coach Asako Takakura, Bautista already made history after steering the Philippine Women’s National Team to a historic run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Tajikistan last April 2017.
As head coach of the Philippine Women’s National Team, Bautista delivered the team to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 with three wins, one draw, and one loss during the qualifiers in Tajikistan.
PFF president Mariano V. Araneta Jr., who was in Bangkok for the 2017 AFC Annual Awards, thanked Bautista for what she has contributed to Philippine football.
Araneta said: “Coach Buda (Bautista) has mentored the Philippine Women’s National Team all the way to a spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018. Under her guidance, the team found their competitive edge and got the results when they mattered the most. May her achievement, experience and wisdom inspire other coaches and players.”
